Lee certainly did not want secession. He only fought for Virginia. Too bad there were not more prudent Lees in the South of 1860-61 and less of the secessionist wild men.
"... I wish to live under no other government, and there is no sacrifice I am not ready to make for the preservation of the Union save that of honour. If a disruption takes place, I shall go back in sorrow to my people and share the misery of my native state, and save in her defence there will be one soldier less in the world than now. I wish for no other flag than the 'Star spangled banner' and no other air than 'Hail Columbia.' I still hope that the wisdom and patriotism of the nation will yet save it. "
What is your definition of a "wild man"? Do you think all free men need a leash? Be very careful with this answer my friend, it will be very telling.
I wonder what Lee would think of the Commonwealth as it stands today. Shame......
But that is my point - he did not wish a fight, but was bound by honour & duty to fight.
Sure, there are folks on our side spoiling for a fight, there always are, but it is the realization to otherwise peaceful people that a fight is what it will eventually take.
Be it a shooting fight or otherwise - depending on the ballot box (the way it is now stacked)is clearly not working. You may be content to vote for another “lessor of two evils” - but people everywhere are waking up to the fact that it is not a choice we need to make.
Principles were spelled out for us by our founding fathers, and remedies as well. For too long we have been pacified by lying politicians on both sides.